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Wishtree (Hardcover)

Description

The New York Times-bestselling story of kindness, friendship, and hope. Trees can't tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories. . . .

Red is an oak tree who is many rings old. Red is the neighborhood "wishtree"—people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red's branches. Along with a crow named Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red's hollows, this wishtree watches over the neighborhood.

You might say Red has seen it all.

Until a new family moves in. Not everyone is welcoming, and Red's experience as a wishtree is more important than ever.

Funny, deep, warm, and nuanced, this is Katherine Applegate at her very best—writing from the heart, and from a completely unexpected point of view.

This book has Common Core connections.

About the Author

Katherine Applegate is the author of several best-selling young adult series, including Animorphs and Roscoe Riley Rules. Home of the Brave, her first standalone novel, received the SCBWI 2008 Golden Kite Award for Best Fiction and the Bank Street 2008 Josette Frank Award. She lives with her family in Irvine, California.

Praise For…

Praise for wishtree:A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!A New York Times Notable Book, 2017A National Public Radio Best Book of 2017A Publishers Weekly BestsellerA Washington Post Best Book of 2017A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2017A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2017San Francisco Chronicle 2017 Gift Guide Los Angeles Times 2017 Gift GuideAutumn 2017 Kids’ Indie Next List "Top Pick" TitleWinner, E.B. White Read Aloud Award 2018 ALSC/ALA Notable Children's Book

"A beautifully written, morally bracing story that will leave its imprint on a reader of any age."The New York Times Book Review

"The simplicity of Newbery Medalist Applegate’s graceful novel contrasts powerfully with the prejudice it confronts. Narration comes from Red, an enormous red oak near an elementary school that also serves as a “wishtree” for the neighborhood—once a year, residents deposit wishes in Red’s branches and hollows....Red’s openhearted voice and generosity of spirit bring perspective gained over centuries of observation. It’s a distinctive call for kindness, delivered by an unforgettable narrator."--Publishers Weekly,starred review"Applegate introduces another quiet, resilient protagonist who -- like the caged gorilla in The One and Only Ivan and the working-class boy in Crenshaw -- speaks movingly to a noisy, fractious world. -- The Washington Post"The story’s wit and humor keep it from being heavy-handed, as do vivid portrayals of minor characters, especially Bongo, the sarcastic crow who is Red’s best friend. This is a book made for family sharing and discussion."--Raleigh News & Observer"Timely, necessary, and brimming with heart."-- Booklist,starred review

"Newbery Award–winning author Applegate meets high expectations in this tale told by a tree named Red, a red oak who is “two hundred and sixteen rings old.” ... Another stunning effort from Applegate. This thoughtful read is a top choice for middle graders."--School Library Journal,starred review

"This gentle yet powerful book is suitable for all ages...and its message remains more vital than ever."--BookPage"Inspires hope for positive change. Perfect for a powerful classroom read, Wishtree is another winner for Applegate."--Voices of Youth Advocates,starred review________Praise for Crenshaw:

A New York Times BestsellerA Publishers Weekly Bestseller

"This accessible and moving novel demonstrates how the creative resilience of a child’s mind can soften difficult situations, while exploring the intersection of imagination and truth." —Publishers Weekly, starred review